Daniel Ricciardo, who happens to be one of the most improved drivers, of late, is all set to participate in his second Grand Prix at France. This will be a huge event for Renault for the simple reason that it’s their home race this weekend. And indeed, the Australian driver is pumped for the contest.
And why not, one asks?
After all, where the races at Monaco and Spain stand then it’s Daniel Ricciardo who features in constant points among the drivers in the midfield.
At the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Daniel clinched a fighting ninth and thus, 2 valuable points for the Cyril Abiteboul-led side. And immediately after, at the somewhat controversial Canadian Grand Prix, a contest no stranger to the Vettel vs Hamilton tug of war, Ricciardo clinched a strong sixth.
At a time where the Australian was thought to be seriously struggling, this result made his critics bite the bullet.
To that end, it’s safe to suggest that while a Romain Grosjean, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Pierre Gasly is constantly scoring for Haas, McLaren, and Red Bull respectively, thus making the battle among the midfielders an interesting one, Ricciardo has been doing his bit for Renault too.
Is he not?
Given the past performance of his team, Cyril Abiteboul was of the following view:
“The result, and the manner in which we achieved it, should give us the confidence and motivation to push on through a demanding period of races with five Grands Prix before the summer break!”
To that end, it’s safe to say that Ricciardo, who is growing in confidence and acclimatizing to the 2019 car, will be rearing to go at France this weekend.
Currently, eighth on the standings with 16 points in 7 races, the Australian shared his thoughts about the upcoming contest at Las Castellet:
I’m really looking forward to embracing the French atmosphere and hopefully doing the team proud,” said Ricciardo. “I know it’s a significant race for them and how much it means to everyone involved.
“The target for France has to be repeating the form of Canada. We have some upgrades, which should mean the start of a trend of our true pace.
“It’s coming along well and, as the car gets better, I’m also growing in confidence and I’ll keep getting better with it.”
I’m really looking forward to embracing the French atmosphere and hopefully doing the team proud,” shared Ricciardo. “I know it’s a significant race for them and how much it means to everyone involved.
“The target for France has to be repeating the form of Canada. We have some upgrades, which should mean the start of a trend of our true pace.
“It’s coming along well and, as the car gets better, I’m also growing in confidence and I’ll keep getting better with it.”
That told, what can be expected from Renault on Sunday? For starters, there’ll be nothing more brilliant than seeing both Hulkenberg and Ricciardo qualify inside the top ten, going on to finish inside points.